🇯🇵 Tokushima Travel Guide: Exploring Temples, Culture & Instagrammable Shrines
Thinking of traveling to Tokushima, Japan?
This underrated gem on Shikoku Island is known as the starting point of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, a centuries-old Buddhist tradition that stretches across Tokushima, Kagawa, Ehime, and Kochi.
Whether you’re into cultural journeys, collecting temple stamps (goshuin), or finding spiritual peace—you’ll love what Tokushima has to offer.
Let’s dive into the beginning of the Henro pilgrimage and discover some beautiful temples and a fun surprise shrine along the way!
🪷 Stop 1: Ryozen-ji (Temple #1 of the Shikoku Pilgrimage)
📍 Naruto City, Tokushima
Start your pilgrimage at Ryozen-ji, the very first temple on the route.
The temple grounds are compact but peaceful, with a truly stunning main hall ceiling: a giant painting of a dragon surrounded by rows of glowing lanterns creates a magical and photogenic scene.
📸 Yes—it’s an Instagram hotspot!
✍️ Collect your first goshuin stamp here to begin your pilgrimage journey.
🕒 Open: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🚗 Parking: Available
📞 Phone: 088-689-1111
📮 Address: 126 Bando Tsukabana, Naruto City, Tokushima 779-0230
🧘♀️ Stop 2: Gokuraku-ji (Temple #2)
Just a short walk from Ryozen-ji, Gokuraku-ji is larger and more open.
Near the gate, you’ll find the Wish-Granting Jizo statue. If you recite the mantra written beside it while praying, your wish may come true!
🙏 The temple is also known for prayers related to childbirth and fertility.
I personally prayed for the health and happiness of my wife and children—it was a heartfelt moment.
🕒 Open: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
🚗 Parking: Available
📞 Phone: 088-689-1112
📮 Address: 12 Hinokida Ueno, Naruto City, Tokushima 779-0225
⛩️ Bonus Stop: Oasahiko Shrine – With a Kimetsu no Yaiba Twist?!
While not part of the Henro pilgrimage, Oasahiko Shrine is very close to the first two temples and makes for a relaxing and unique detour.
The grounds are simple and walkable—and here’s the surprise:
🐶 Even the guardian lion-dogs (komainu) are wearing face masks!
And not just any masks—one has a pattern from the anime Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba). Talk about blending tradition with pop culture!
📍 Google Maps – Oasahiko Shrine
🕒 Open: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🚗 Parking: Available
📞 Phone: 088-689-1212
📮 Address: 13 Hirotsuka Bando, Naruto City, Tokushima 779-0230
🧧 Final Thoughts
Tokushima is the perfect place to begin a spiritual journey—or just experience a peaceful escape.
You’ll find:
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Beautiful temples with rich history
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Spiritual customs like mantra chanting and goshuin collecting
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A blend of culture and fun, with unexpected anime nods
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And lots of Instagram-worthy photo spots!
🎒 Whether you’re a pilgrim, culture lover, or curious traveler, Tokushima offers a journey both inward and outward.
Don’t miss the start of something truly meaningful.
